Nick Compton hits form before Ashes

Somerset's Nick Compton responded to his England demotion by re-stating his claim for an Ashes place with 81 against Australia on the first day of four at Taunton yesterday.

Compton, who has been opening with Alastair Cook found himself down the pecking order after Joe Root was preferred as the England captain’s opening partner for the national side's Ashes warm-up fixture against Essex.

Nick Compton

But Compton, the grandson of England great Denis, responded to his omission in gutsy fashion although it was 22-year-old Chris Jones who did most to disturb the tourists, playing their first match under new coach Darren Lehmann, with a maiden first-class century in Somerset’s total of 320.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc (four for 33) and James Pattinson (four for 56) got Australia back into the match as Somerset, for whom Jones made 130, lost six wickets for no runs in 28 balls after being well-placed at 310 for three.